I’m always running late, so have perfected the art of looking polishedand pulled together (at least facially) with no time to spare. Thisstarts with a bit of advance work and organization:

Once your skin is clean and dry, the clock starts running. Faces on!

1) Moisturize

Smooth on a tinted moisturizer with SPF. This will do three jobs in one: moisturize, protect, and even out your skin tone. I alternate between Patricia Wexler M.D. Dermatology Daily Defense Anti-Oxidant

Lightly dust with a good translucent powder. Do not over-powder, as it can make your skin look ashy and old. MAC’s Prep + Prime Finishing Powder may scare you with its pure white hue, but its one universal color really does suit all shades of skin.

4) A little color

If you have oily skin, opt for a swift, well-blended application of powder blush on the apples of your cheeks. Otherwise, go with a product like the now legendary NARS Multiple that can serve as cream blush, lip color, and eyeshadow. I tend to have oily skin, so most often use Victoria’s Secret Heidi Klum Collection Blush in Jewels (which does not seem to be available for online purchase). For a cream blush, I recommend Clinique Touch Blush in Sweet Clover, a mousse-like blush that’s easy to apply and gives that elusively natural, flushed glow.

Line your upper eyelids only with a soft pencil liner. This doesn’t require the exactness of liquid liner, and if you rush so fast that you screw up the line, you can just soften it a bit with a Q-Tip. I most often reach for MAC Technakohl Liner, which never smudges, or Tarte Eyeliner in Waterlillies, a soft charcoal shade.

6) Black Lash

If you’re ahead of schedule, go ahead and curl your lashes. Otherwise, go straight for the black stuff. My all-time favorites after years of searching for the best: Lancome High Definicils (which shocked me by besting my favorite since high school, plain old Lancome Definicils) and Maybelline The Colossal Volum’ Express Mascara, the hot new product that deserves all its hype.

7) The Big Arches

Use an eyebrow pencil to fill in any gaps. I’ve been using the same Damone Roberts Brow Pencil in Minx for the last five years (I’m not kidding). I’m in no danger of having to replaceit if it keeps lasting like this – well worth the $18. (Damone and hisbrow divas in Beverly Hills do amazing work, but I’ve received just as precise and beautiful brow shaping from the $8 threading places inManhattan.)

8) Seal It With A Kiss

Throw a tinted lip balm with SPF protection in your bag and apply while walking or cabbing it to your hot date or lunch with the girls. I’ve always got an Alba Botanica Terra Tint SPF 8 in my bag.

What are your best tips for getting out the door ASAP with beautifulmaquillage?